Crossword Genius

Newcastle area roads for dull people (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

nerds

'dull people' is the definition.

'newcastle area roads' is the wordplay.
'newcastle area' becomes 'NE' (abbreviation for North East).
'roads' becomes 'rds' (abbreviation).
'ne'+'rds'='NERDS'

'for' acts as a link.

(Other definitions for nerds that I've seen before include "Boringly studious people" , "They can be boringly studious, perhaps lacking social skills" , "Boringly studious types" , "Geeks" , "People considered boring because of obsessive hobbies or narrow solitary interests" .)

I've seen this clue in The Mirror.
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